Creative Ideas & Tips for Small Kitchen Layouts

Small kitchens can often be one of the most tricky parts of a house to get right. However, with a few smart choices and using the following tips, you can easily make your small kitchen feel bigger in almost every way. 

Adapt All the Space

The first thing you should do is adapt all the space in your kitchen, particularly the odd-shaped corners and nooks. Even if you simply add a shelf for your coffee cups and travel mugs, try to use all the space in your kitchen. 

Don’t go overboard, as clutter can make a room seem smaller, but don’t leave any empty areas in the kitchen, as it typically means another part of your kitchen probably has too many things on/in it. 

Floating Shelves

Much like with most small rooms, when you can’t go wide, it is best to go up. Floating shelves can be an absolute game changer in a small kitchen, especially if you are smart with where you place them. 

You can use them above the sink to get your sponges, dishwashing liquid, and cleaning supplies off the counter. There are also shelves that can fit on windows, adding extra storage in an area that typically has 

Island Storage

If you have an island, a great option is to add shelving to it. While many islands come with shelves already installed, it is fairly easy to add them yourself even if you aren’t the best at DIY, as all you need is a few screws, brackets, and some wood. 

If you don’t already own an island, don’t think you can’t get one just because your kitchen is small. There are plenty of different sizes and shapes available, and an island can easily be exactly what you need to get some more counter and storage space.

Moveable Island

A small thing to pa attention to when choosing or modifying your island is to add wheels. In a small kitchen, having an island that can easily moved allows you to get it out the way when you don’t need it and open up the limited floor space in your kitchen. 

Multi-Function Furniture 

When choosing furniture for your small kitchen, always opt for pieces that can serve more than one function. For instance, an island that has an open side can act as a regular island, but also as a counter for you to sit and eat at. 

There are also plenty of companies and designers that have created shelving units that, with a few smart hinges, can be pulled down and transform into a small table. This is exactly the type of furniture you should be looking for when adding to your kitchen. 

Monochromatic 

If you are able to repaint your kitchen, one of the best routes to go down is monochromatic. Using a single color has been shown to make a room feel bigger, and this is particularly useful in a small kitchen. 

Depending on your taste, darker colors have also shown to be the best at this, but remember not to go too dark, as this can make the room feel dingy and not as welcoming. 

Streamline

Streamlining your kitchen can help it feel much bigger as you can open up a lot of counter space. There are multiple ways to go about this, but something as simple as having a chopping board holder instead of leaving it on the counter can make a difference. 

Streamlining is simply the process of removing or moving everything that isn’t necessary for everyday use, or finding a better way to store or place something if you do need it regularly. 

Pack the Appliances Away

Another way to streamline your kitchen and make it feel a bit bigger is to pack your appliances away into cupboards or behind doors. For instance, placing a decorative box over your kettle when you aren’t using it creates an extra shelf and hides the kettle. 

This is not something that is always necessary, but it is something to keep in mind especially if you find yourself with a dozen appliances and barely any space to store them. 

Smaller Appliances

Anothr option is to simply choose smaller appliances. Almost every appliances has a “mini” version that is perfect for those living on their own or couples. A two-slice toaster is significantly smaller than a 4-slice toaster. 

You can also take the step to choose multifunctional appliances as opposed to separate ones, as this can cut down on how many you own in general. 

Add Natural Light

Finally, having your windows uncovered and letting natural light in has been shown to make a space feel bigger and brighter, no matter its size. For a kitchen, something as simple as just leaving the curtains or blinds open can make a world of difference. 

As you can see, a few relatively easy and inexpensive changes can transform your small kitchen into a space that feels much bigger. Never be disheartened, and wish you had a bigger space when there are so many changes you can make that can transform it into the kitchen of your dreams.